The Sprague Super Service station along Route 66 in Normal. Illinois, probably will open to travelers in May, a few weeks later than originally anticipated. The reason for the delay is because work still is being done. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports: Normal's Historic Preservation Commission approved three steps Tuesday to improve the exterior: tuck-pointed bricks on … Continue reading Sprague Super Service station likely will open in May
Category: Preservation
Tropics sign in Lincoln may be erected near original site by next year
A local tourism bureau and a committee overseeing the restoration of The Tropics neon sign that once stood near Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, plan to erect the sign in the parking lot of a McDonald's that will replace the original Tropics restaurant. The proposal was presented during a meeting of the Lincoln City Council. According to … Continue reading Tropics sign in Lincoln may be erected near original site by next year
Art’s Motel in Farmersville reopens
Art's Motel of Farmersville, Illinois, best-known for distinctive sign that was restored by volunteers a decade ago, recently reopened after a six-year hiatus. The Prairie Land Buzz, a publication from a four-county area in Illinois near St. Louis, reported in its February issue the old Route 66 motel had been purchased by Kris Jain and reopened. "A … Continue reading Art’s Motel in Farmersville reopens
Sun ‘n Sand Motel may reopen later this year
The closed Sun 'n Sand Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico -- best known for its huge, orange neon sign -- has a new owner who hopes to reopen the Route 66 establishment sometime in 2017. The Feb. 2 print edition of The Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, reports the new owner is Dipak Shah of Kadam … Continue reading Sun ‘n Sand Motel may reopen later this year
Congressman introduces bill to make Route 66 a National Historic Trail
A congressman from Illinois has introduced a bill that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) recently introduced bill H.R. 801 to amend the National Trails System Act to create a Route 66 National Historic Trail. U.S. Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.), a senior … Continue reading Congressman introduces bill to make Route 66 a National Historic Trail
Trash a chronic problem under Tulsa’s 11th Street Bridge
A chronic problem with garbage under Tulsa's historic 11th Street Bridge and the nearby Interstate 244 bridge has festered for weeks, apparently because the city isn't sure what department is responsible for cleanup. Local physician Vicki C. Baker emailed me last week: The area under the 11th street/I-244 bridge sorely needs attention. RiverParks tells me … Continue reading Trash a chronic problem under Tulsa’s 11th Street Bridge
Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis added to National Register
The Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis, better known as the Globe-Democrat Building or the Globe Building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The National Register listing was effective Jan. 23, according to the email. The building sits at 700-720 N. Tucker Blvd. … Continue reading Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis added to National Register
2017 cost-share grant season has begun
The 2017 season to apply for a Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program cost-share grant has begun, and applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Mountain time April 3. According to the cost-share grant page: The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program provides cost-share grant assistance to support the preservation of the most significant and representative historic Route … Continue reading 2017 cost-share grant season has begun
Congressman introduces national Route 66 centennial bill
A congressman from Illinois has introduced a Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, which directs the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to "prepare a plan on the preservation needs of Route 66" and other purposes. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican from central Illinois, introduced H,R. 66 to the House of Representatives, and it was assigned to a transportation … Continue reading Congressman introduces national Route 66 centennial bill
Painted Desert Community Complex named National Historic Landmark
A series of buildings called the Painted Desert Community Complex that greet travelers to the Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona were among 24 National Historic Landmarks declared by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. National Historic Landmarks are "historic properties of exceptional value to the nation and promotes the preservation efforts … Continue reading Painted Desert Community Complex named National Historic Landmark